A fast way to lose the ability to take care of daily living expenses is to get badly injured at work, especially if the injury prevents you from performing the same job as before. Fortunately, most business owners are required to have insurance coverage for their employees in the event that any of them gets injured on the job. For instance, if you happen to fall and injure your hip in the process, you can file a claim for workers compensation benefits to cover your living expenses while you are healing. However, sometimes employers wrongfully deny such benefits, which often leads to an injured employee having to hire a lawyer to prove their case. If you have an injury like this and had to hire a lawyer, your lawyer may ask you to undergo an independent orthopedic evaluation.

A Thorough Evaluation for Evidence

In most cases, business owners require that their injured employees is evaluated by a specific physician to validate a claim for workers comp benefits. However, it is possible that such a physician might have a personal friendship with the business owner and may purposely perform a poor evaluation. Even if such a physician performs an evaluation to the best of their ability, it is important to get a second opinion when a claim is denied. If you have hired a lawyer to contest a denial, they will likely want a second opinion from an independent orthopedic physician. Your lawyer may recommend one or give you the ability to find one on your own.

A Potential Witness in Court

Another reason why a lawyer might need an independent evaluation to be performed by an orthopedic physician is for court purposes. For example, after you have been examined by the physician, they can act as a witness in court to debunk the evaluation that was performed by the other physician. Your lawyer might call the independent physician to the witness stand to state their position, experience in the field, and educational background. The testimony of the independent physician can be vital to winning your case.

A Clear Explanation About Why You Are Unable to Work

Another service that an independent orthopedic physician can provide is an explanation in regards to why your injury interferes with the ability to work. The physician can explain the details in a document that is notarized with their signature. For example, if the injury makes it painful for you to lift heavy objects or move in a certain way, the physician will explain how it affects your specific job.

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